Environmental Specialist II

Agency Dept of Environmental Quality Division Office of Continuous Improvement Job Classification Title Environmental Specialist II (NS) Position Number 65040404 Grade NC14 About Us The primary mission of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life. Description of Work *This position is Exempt from the Human Resources Act (EHRA) with the exception of Articles 6 and 7. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with applicable State Benefits.* The primary purpose of the position is to support regulatory permitting via review and approval tasks necessary for implementation of certain infrastructure projects across all Division wide programs with a priority on those funded by American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA), S.L. 2023-134 and other assigned infrastructure projects. This position provides technical review and development for approval of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater permits, focusing on general and minor permit types, submitted to the Division of Water Resources, Compliance and Expedited Permitting Unit. A successful candidate will have excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet strict deadlines. Other Key Responsibilities: Provide technical review of applications and expiring permits and prepare for approval draft NPDES wastewater permits including supporting documents and permitting processes. This position will primarily process expedited permits that include general and minor permits. Support programmatic development, consistency, and continuity through the development and application of permitting SOPs and memos. Provide regional office coordination by providing technical assistance and oversight for: compliance reporting and tracking, database management, organize and track compliance efforts statewide, and provide training to promote statewide consistency of program administration. Assist with the development of point source environmental policy and procedures for the Division of Water Resources point source programs. Assist in the identification and implementation of compliance resolution approaches for permitted facilities. NOTE: Position requires a valid NC Driver's License. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Recruitment Range: $52,592 - $81,235 Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above. The Office of Continuous Improvement: The Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI) enhances the performance of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality by fostering compliance and efficiency across diverse projects. As a fluid team of multidisciplinary, collaborative problem-solvers OCI leverages business processes, data analysis, compliance, and engineering expertise to drive improvement. Embedded within DEQ Divisions, OCI is a hub of expertise, developing and strengthening processes and workflows that support DEQ's mandate to deliver federal funding effectively and equitably for infrastructure, energy, and resilience projects. OCI is charged with helping DEQ teams solve challenges, break down cross-organizational silos, provide data strategy, technical support, and policy expertise. OCI's goal is to deliver impactful results while upholding regulatory standards, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective environmental stewardship for North Carolina. The Division of Water Resources: The Division of Water Resources is responsible for protecting North Carolinas drinking, surface and groundwater for all waterbodies including lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands and aquifers. This environmental stewardship is accomplished through actions including permitting issuance, investigations, regulatory compliance and enforcement, monitoring and field assessments, certifications, laboratory analysis and testing, planning, water quality standards management, educational outreach and other efforts. The Division comprises six Sections: Water Quality Regional Operations; Water Sciences; Public Water Supply; Water Quality Permitting; Groundwater Resources, and Water Planning. Learn more by visiting Division of Water Resources. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more. This position currently qualifies for a hybrid telework option with routine office and remote workdays. The NC Department of Environmental Quality trusts our employees to be self-motivated and successful in hybrid/remote roles. Telework options are subject to change at the discretion of management. Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience. If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor's degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices. Recruiter: Jean Ollis Buchanan Recruiter Email: hrrecruitment@deq.nc.gov North Carolina State Government is one of the states largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today! State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.